—Andrew Yorke shocks field to finish career-best fourth in men’s race—

GLASGOW, Sco.—Kirsten Sweetland captured Canada’s first medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games on Thursday after running to the silver medal in women’s triathlon.

Competing in her first multi-sport Games, the 25-year-old Victoria resident took on many of the world’s best to win her second major international medal in as many starts and first in the Olympic distance, clocking a second-place time of one hour, 59 minutes, one second (1:59:01).

“It feels unbelievable to get a medal,” said Sweetland, who won her first career World Triathlon Series medal two weeks ago when she ran to the bronze. “I was going for a medal this week. Obviously everyone wants the gold, but I’m thrilled with any colour.”

Sweetland battled back after a difficult 1.5-kilometre swim where she was forced to work hard in the first section of the eight-lap bike course with Australia’s Emma Jackson and Andrea Hewitt, of New Zealand, to bridge the gap on the lead pack of seven. The trio quickly pulled up with the leaders forming a group of 10 that entered the second transition after the 40-kilometre bike course.

With England’s Jodie Stimpson hammering the pace out of transition onto the 10-kilometre run, Canada’s feisty Sweetland was determined to match her stride with three other athletes. Coming down to a game of tactics, one-by-one many of the world’s best athletes dropped off the pace leaving Stimpson and the young Canuck battling it out for gold. Sweetland could not respond to Stimpson’s final surge with 200 metres to go, forcing the Canadian onto the silver medal step of the podium.

Stimpson won the gold at 1:58:56, while Vicky Holland also of England, won the race for the bronze medal with a time of 1:59:11.

“That was about mental toughness today because I didn’t feel my best,” said Sweetland. “I had to work really hard at the end of the swim and beginning of the bike to get back on the group so I’m really happy to get a medal of any colour today.”

Sweetland becomes just the third Canadian ever to win a triathlon medal at the Commonwealth Games. Simon Whitfield and Carol Montgomery both won gold at the 2002 Games.

Sarah-Anne Brault, of Quebec City, pulled out during the run leg and did not finish the race. Calgary’s Ellen Pennock had a collarbone injury during a crash on the bike and was not able to continue.

Sweetland’s story is definitely one of resiliency. With her career in jeopardy after battling a series of injuries over the last six years, Sweetland has suffered her share of heartache.

She missed qualifying for two Olympic Games teams, and battled countless injuries and illnesses that have left her pondering her athletic future.

Once touted as Canada’s next great triathlete after building a resume that includes two victories, along with a silver and bronze medal on the World Cup circuit in addition to becoming the first Canadian woman ever to win a medal at the Junior World Championships in 2006, her Commonwealth Games performance builds on a breakthrough season with a handful of top-10 finishes on the World Triathlon Series that included her first ever bronze medal on the elite racing circuit earlier this month.

Inspired by Sweetland’s silver medal performance, Canada’s Andrew Yorke also had the race of his life in his first multi-sport Games.

The 24-year-old Yorke, of Caledon, Ont., battled through the heat and hilly run course to put together an impressive fourth-place result, chalking up a time of 1:50:40, in a spaced out men’s field dominated by the Brownlee brothers from England.

“It was awesome! I did not expect that at all. I just felt like I had nothing to lose today and no one expected me to do this,” said Yorke, whose previous best was a top-15 at a WTS race in Japan this year. “This was my breakthrough race. It was just awesome after working so hard to have a result like this.

Canada’s Matt Sharpe executed the role as a domestique to near perfection, ensuring Yorke and Kyle Jones of Oakville, Ont., were well positioned in the lead group on the swim and bike.

“We had a plan and we stuck to it the whole time,” said Sharpe who was celebrating his 23rd birthday. “My role was clear cut today to make sure the guys were well positioned. I’m happy it worked out with a great result for Canada.”

Sharpe finished 21st at 1:56:56. The lone Canadian Olympian in the field, Kyle Jones, had a disappointing finish, dropping to 11th spot after suffering from a right leg cramp on the challenging course. Jones clocked-in at 1:52:15.

Olympic champion, Alistair Brownlee, added a Commonwealth Games title to his resume. The older Brownlee opened a huge lead on the field that allowed him to walk down the finishing stretch to the victory with a time of 1:48:50. Jonathan Brownlee, also of England, was second at 1:49:01. Richard Murray, of South Africa, was solid throughout all three legs to win the bronze medal after stopping the clock at 1:50:21.

The triathlon mixed relay race takes place on Saturday at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Complete Commonwealth Games Results (1.5km swim, 40km bike, 10km run):http://results.glasgow2014.com/event/triathlon/trw001101/womens_final.html

http://results.glasgow2014.com/event/triathlon/trm001101/mens_final.html

Top-Five Women’s Results:

1. Jodie Stimpson, ENG, 1:58:56; 2. Kirsten Sweetland, Victoria, CAN, 1:59:01; 3. Vicky Holland, ENG, 1:59:11; 4. Andrea Hewitt, NZL, 1:59:25; 5. Emma Jackson, AUS, 1:59:34

Other Canadian Results:

DNF. Sarah-Anne Brault, Quebec City; DNF. Ellen Pennock, Calgary

Top-Five Men’s Results:

1. Alistair Brownlee, ENG, 1:48:50; 2. Jonathan Brownlee, ENG, 1:49:01; 3. Richard Murray, RSA, 1:50:21; 4. Andrew Yorke, Caledon, Ont., CAN, 1:50:40; 5. Ryan Bailie, AUS, 1:50:43

Other Canadian Results:

11. Kyle Jones, Oakville, Ont., 1:52:15; 21. Matt Sharpe, Victoria, 1:56:56

***** 

For additional information on the Glasgow 2014 Canadian Team or CGC:

Emily Hooper
Media Attaché
Team Canada - Glasgow 2014
T: 07913595980
ehooper@athletics.ca

Chris Dornan                                                                   
Media and Public Relations
Triathlon Canada
T: 403-620-8731